Page 33 of A Lesson in Deceit
I looked over River’s shoulder to see their dad’s office staring me right in the face.
“Yes, whatareyou doing here, Miss Monroe?” Asher repeated, but his tone was more accusatory as if he was just begging me to fuck up.
I rubbed my lips together, thinking through my options. “I came to talk to Mr. St. James about something for class.”
River’s mouth pulled up in an amused manner. “Wait, you make her call you Mr. St. James? Asher, you really do take yourself too seriously.”
Asher ran his tongue over his front teeth. “I don’t have office hours today. I know that and you know that.”
I gave a casual one shoulder shrug. “I thought maybe you’d make an exception for me.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not one for favoritism. You’ll have to come by on my regular days like everyone else, but I don’t think you will because I don’t think that’s why you’re actually here.” His eyes never left my face, as if he was trying to intimidate me with just his piercing stare alone. I wouldn’t say the look made me feel small, but I also wouldn’t say it did nothing for me.
River snapped his fingers in front of his brother’s face. “Give it a rest, Asher.” He shook his head, giving me his full attention. “You all done for the day?”
I nodded, knowing that Asher was still staring at me.
“Good, let me walk you back to your dorm.” He started to walk past me but swiftly turned around on his heels. “Forgot my bag.”
When River was out of sight, Asher stepped up to me, making sure there was no space between us. He leaned down, so that his words could not be misconstrued. “As flattered as I am that you’ve made me a part of whatever it is you’re doing here,don’tdo it again. My brother may be so infatuated with you, but luckily, I am not. Strike two, little liar.”
“I’m not doing anything. It’s not a crime to wanthelpfrom my teacher. Is it,sir?”
His jaw ticked, but he didn’t say anything else. He moved away from me when River returned, giving his brother a tight smile. Asher went back into his office, slamming the door. River took my hand and walked us to the elevator. I turned my head, seeing his father come out of his office right as we entered, and I let out a sigh, almost cursing under my breath.
I would need a new strategy.
17
Riley
River gave me room in front of the door to my dorm so that I could tap my keycard. He followed me inside, sitting down on my bed. Corrin wasn’t here, so I slipped my phone out of my pocket checking on any messages from her. I had one from my mom, which I would answer later, but nothing from Corrin. I closed my eyes, holding my phone so tight that I felt a cramp in my hand.
“Lucky you with no class tomorrow.” River kicked his shoes off, laying back on my bed.
I blinked, bringing myself back into the present. “I still have homework.” I walked over to my dresser, picking up the one picture I’d brought with me of me and my parents. It was in a frame that I’d bought at a craft store because I thought it was cute. I’d had to cut the picture down to make it fit, but it was in the shape of a heart, and I loved it regardless.
“Still, I wish I could hang out with you tonight, but I idiotically decided to take a night class.”
I swiped a tear from under my eye and focused on him. “I can see the appeal of night classes.
“Advanced Telepathy is a much easier class to grasp in the evening. I think my mind is a little more subdued.”
I walked over to him. He instantly sat up, swinging his legs off the bed and pulling me so I was standing in between them. “Hopefully not so subdued that you fall asleep. You’re supposed to be graduating soon.”
He gave me a tiny smile, cupping the side of my face. I leaned into his touch, shuddering at the instant comfort he gave me. “What’s wrong, gorgeous?”
My eyes were half closed, but then they shot open. “What do you mean?”
“Well, your cheek is a little wet, so I’m going to assume something is bothering you.”
Fuck, I thought I had caught the tears before they could propel themselves out of my fucking eyes. “A lot on my mind, that’s all. Nothing I can’t handle.”
River slid his hand down my arm, the cold metal of his power dampening ring cooling parts of my skin. “Is this about your dad?”
I reared my head back, stepping away from him. “Why would you say that? Did your brother say something?”
He raised his hands, telling me he was trying to come at this delicately. “He might have mentioned something, but whatever you tell me…I’m on your side. Being here can’t be easy and if you want to talk about it then I’m here. I’m always here.”
